Best Time To Go:
November - May
Time Difference:
GMT -7 hours
Flight Duration:
15 hours approx
Airports:
Guatemala City (GUA)
Voted by Conde Nast in 2025 as the best international destination worldwide, Guatemala is a beautiful country of volcanoes, mountains, with beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, where a combination of jungle rainforest and mountain cloud forest offer stunning wildlife and tropical exotic birdlife experiences.
The scenic Cuchamatán Mountains in the western highlands, to the coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, means that Guatemala holidays can be marked by contrasts. This lesser-visited Central American country - bordered by Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize - is a must for travellers seeking a ‘wow’ experience.
Three key reasons for choosing a Guatemala holiday include visiting Serene Lake Atitlan, formed after a volcano exploded over 84,000 years ago, described by Aldous Huxley as ‘the most beautiful in the world’. The stunning Tikal ancient Maya Archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its awesome pyramids sprouting out of the jungle, frequented by monkeys and colourful exotic birds was used as a location backdrop for both the Star Wars and Jurassic Park modern day movies.
Antigua, the former colonial capital, is rated by many as one of the most attractive historic tourist spots to visit on the planet, with its quaint cobbled streets, and the Semana Santa Easter festival there is on many a traveller’s bucket list. More than half of the population is indigenous. Maya women continue to weave brightly coloured cloth and fashion the same traje, or suit, that their ancestors wore and the local thriving colourful markets with their artisan arts & crafts deliver a sight to behold.
This small jewel in Latin America’s tourist crown offers a fascinating, eclectic mix of ancient history, natural beauty, wildlife, indigenous culture, and soft adventure, combined with an attractive 16th century Hispanic legacy. Your senses will be stimulated at every turn by this truly colourful country. A favourite amongst our clients is to combine the touring attractions of Guatemala with a beach extension, on the tropical white sands and world-class reef found on the nearby the Caribbean coast of neighbouring Belize for a relaxing end to their tailor-made Guatemala holiday.
Tailored Journeys can curate for you a bespoke Guatemala holiday designed individually to your own exact requirements. Click on our sample Guatemala itineraries below to see full details of an example of the typical kind of trip that we can provide you.
Jeremy was born and grew up in the UK and in the 1980s he lived in Sydney. He's spent his whole life travelling, be that for leisure, business, study, backpacking, educational trips, music, or volunteering. To date, he has visited 66 countries across six continents and ran his own travel company before joining Tailored Journeys.
POPULAR ITINERARIES FOR GUATEMALA
Classic Guatemala & Belize Beach
South American Experience
WHERE TO GO IN GUATEMALA
Antigua
Antigua is a beautiful cobbled street soulful town with plazas, alleys, and amazing 16th century Spanish colonial architecture. Also home to great cathedrals and monasteries, coffee plantations, cholate/cacao museum and amazing volcanos you can trek.
Lake Atitlan
A volcano ringed lake consider by some to be the most beautiful in the world with access to colourful local villages and culture including the iconic market town of Chichicastenango.
Livingstone
Livingstone is a Garifuna village on the Caribbean coast where culture comes alive through music, dance, and delicious coastal cuisine. You’ll feel the rhythm of the drums, taste fresh seafood straight from the sea, and discover a slower, more soulful side of Guatemala.
Flores
Flores is a lake island town and gateway to the Tikal Maya Ruins - a UNESCO World Heritage site - with ancient pyramids sprouting out of the jungle in a great rainforest and wildlife setting.
TOP LUXURY HOTELS IN GUATEMALA
Villa Santa Catarina
Panajachel | 3 star
Villa Maya
Flores | 4 star
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY TO GUATEMALA
When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The best time of year to go to Guatemala is between January to May (the dry season). June, November and December are shoulder seasons which means that hotels and flights may be slight cheaper (apart from Christmas and New Years).
What is the local currency in Guatemala and what is the tipping culture?
The official currency in Guatemala is called Quetzal, although US dollars are widely accepted and debit and credit cards can be used in many places. In terms of tipping, we suggest the following as a rough guide: 5-10% in restaurants and bars; $10-$20 a day per person for a guide; $5-$10 for a driver.
What language is spoken in Guatemala?
Spanish is the official language in Guatemala but English is spoken in tourist areas. You'll also fine a variety of local Mayan dialects spoken in the highlands and villages.
Is Guatemala good for honeymooners?
Yes – with its romantic colonial towns, serene lakes, lush jungles, and boutique hideaways, Guatemala is a unique and intimate honeymoon escape.
Do I need a visa to visit Guatemala?
UK, EU, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel.
Is Guatemala safe for tourists?
Yes - it is true to say that some parts of Guatemala City are not for tourists but the main tourist trail is well trodden and welcoms tourists. We recommend always travelling with a reputable tour operator for an overall safer experience, where we can provide guides and chauffers for the duration of your trip.
How long should I plan to stay in Guatemala?
We recommend a stay between 10 days to 3 weeks should suffice for most holidays to Guatemala and a 2 -2.5 week total trip allows you to add a short beach extension to any Guatemala itinerary.
Is Guatemala good for families?
Yes! Guatemala welcomes familes, with its chocolate and coffee plantations, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and amazing beaches for surfing as well as marine life. The colourful bustling markets and fascinating local culture Guatemala is also great for families.
Speak to a Guatemala Expert to Start Planning your Tailor Made Holiday
Speak to a specialist today to tailor make your holiday to Guatemala. Give us a call on 01442617777 or fill out the contact form below.
WHY BOOK WITH TAILORED JOURNEYS?
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every holiday is tailor made to the finest detail to match your preferences
We offer unique experiences to help create truly rewarding memories
Your interests are our priority and we handpick activies accordingly - whether its cycling through rice fields in Vietnam or a special dinner under the stars for your honeymoon
HANDPICKED HOTELS
All hotels are handpicked based on individual specifications
The hotels we choose are ones where we have either personally stayed or visited
We make sure that you will have some of the most incredible views from your hotel that will surely stay in your memory forever
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
All of us here are from, have lived and/or worked in your chosen destination
Our local, qualified guides are courteous, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for every Tailored Journeys client
We have built special relationships with incredible people who help us bring an authentic element to our holidays
SUPPORT & TECHNOLOGY
You will have the same specialist look after your trip from start to finish
You will have the support of a local office in each destination and access a 24 hour mobile number here in the UK
You will also have access to an interactive app so you can view your itinerary offline